News release

Blanding's Turtle Habitat Protected

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

More than 100 hectares of Blanding's turtle habitat is being protected at McGowan Lake in the Region of Queens Municipality. Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited has established a new conservation area under its unique areas program. The newly protected area is on Bowater lands adjacent to the lake.

Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive, members of the Blanding's Turtle Recovery Team, and Jonathan Porter, general manager, Mersey Woodlands Operations, made the announcement today, May 21, at McGowan Lake.

"Co-operation is imperative among all sectors, including industry, government and the public, to ensure the long term protection and recovery of this species at risk," said Mr. Olive. "I would like to commend Bowater for its leadership and for acting upon the recommendations of the recovery team."

The Blanding's turtle is listed as endangered under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. It is one of 20 species protected by provincial legislation, which came into effect in 1998.

Although the recovery team was formed in the early 1990s, research on the turtle and its biology was initiated in 1985 in Kejimkujik National Park by Tom Herman of Acadia University. The recovery team had recommended that Bowater consider protecting these lands.

"Bowater is committed to conserving areas of special significance on our lands and fostering strong relationships with the conservation community," said Mr. Porter. "This project is another example of the value of mutually respectful partnerships between the scientific community and forest landowners."

Today's announcement will protect a major segment of the Blanding's turtle population.